In recent years, combustion engines have become increasingly advanced.

The complexity of both diesel and petrol variants has intensified in response to the need for manufacturers to produce engines that are clean and fuel efficient yet quiet and engaging to drive. Modern engines can be enhanced with a host of innovative features including valve actuation, direct injectors with multiple injection jets and exhaust gas recirculation. The downside is that this increases development costs and timescales.

'Engine development - transformation and opportunity ', reviews the growth of simulation software, the very latest drivers and trends and provides an intriguing insight into its expected future development.

"A simulation-centric approach to developing new engines promises a far cheaper way to explore the entire design space, resulting in more thoughtful designs and robust choices "

Far from merely presenting engineers with aesthetically pleasing electronic images, simulation can be used to proactively manage engine complexity. Software models are typically less expensive to build and test than engine hardware and can equip engineers with the data they need to make better decisions faster than ever before.

The thought-provoking report also explains:

Why CAE simulation has become an indispensible aid in the analysis of NVH, durability, cooling requirements, combustion and other engineering characteristics.

The implications for workflow automation, optimization and fluid dynamics modelling.

Why companies must embrace simulation or risk being left behind.

"As engineers understand the benefits of automating what were once their jobs, better, more optimized engines will be designed faster "

Furthermore, 2015 is believed to be a landmark year for the technology after which many industry leaders will no longer be asking whether CAE works but how they extract maximum benefits from it. In fact, as simulation technology becomes ever more advanced and yet easier to use, the potential to streamline the entire engine development process is significant.

The report provides essential reading that could help to shape the future strategies of manufacturers around the globe.